ABSTRACT Statistical analysis is considered an important tool for scientific studies, including those on seeds. However, seed scientists and statisticians often disagree on the nature of variables addressed in germination experiments. Statisticians consider the number of germinated seeds to be a binomially distributed variable, whereas seed scientists convert it into a percentage and often analyze it as a normally distributed variable. The requirement for normal adjustment restricts the models of analysis of variance that can be used. Lack of fit requires nonparametric tests, but they are known by their inferential problems. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) can provide better fit to germination variables for any species, including Lychnophora ericoides Mart., because they allow wider probability distributions with fewer requirements. Here we suggest the use of relative germination besides absolute germination for species with seed development problems, such for L. ericoides and others from the campos rupestres. This paper introduces the most current statistical advancements and increases the possibilities for their application in seed science research.

The effect of seed drying and imbibition was studied by differential protein expression using two dimensional gel electrophoresis. After drying to a range of water contents, seeds were germinated to assess the viability. Seeds of Magnolia ovata did not withstand the desiccation down to 0.10 g H2O · g-1 dw. The critical water content below which the desiccation sensitivity became apparent was around 0.18 g H2O · g-1 dw (-26.5 MPa). Total protein was extracted and separated by 2D electrophoresis from fresh seeds (0.28 g H2O · g-1 dw), mild dried seeds (0.25 g H2O · g-1 dw) and seeds at low water content (0.10 g H2O · g-1 dw) before and after imbibition for 10 days. The proteome profile revealed the presence of 588 spots on each silver stained gel, from which 21 showed differential expression, correlated with desiccation and germination, by increased or decreased expression. After MS/MS sequencing, three protein spots produced spectra that matched to a Magnolia salicifolia legumin precursor. Results suggested an involvement of this protein in the events taking place during the drying and subsequent imbibitions of the dried seeds.